Friday, June 14, 2013

Dog drinking salt water at the beach?

When it comes to beach-play, make sure you are a pet-savvy owner and
understand the following: the unusual sources of salt poisoning (aside
from ocean water), the dangers of salt poisoning, the clinical signs,
and how to prevent it.
When excessive sodium is ingested, clinical signs of salt poisoning include:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Inappetance

Lethargy

Walking drunk

Abnormal fluid accumulation within the body

Excessive thirst or urination

Potential injury to the kidneys

Tremors

Seizures

Coma

Death

Aside from ocean water, other sources of salt poisoning include:

Table salt (which is why we no longer recommend using salt to induce vomiting in dogs and cats!)

Ice melters

Paintballs

Homemade play dough

Enemas

So, how do you prevent salt poisoning?
When out on the beach, provide your dog with fresh water in a bowl
(use the Frisbee as a bowl). Remember to keep in mind that when dogs
exercise and play on the beach, they pant excessively and lose water. If
left with no water source, dogs will drink ocean water rather than
fresh water. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t smart enough to know that this
is dangerous. With the high sodium concentration in salt water, it can
result in hypernatremia (elevated salt levels in the body), which can
result in an increased osmolality of the blood. Later, when your dog has
access to fresh water, he may drink excessively to counter this,
resulting in potential brain swelling due to rapid shifts in fluid.
Treatment for salt poisoning includes careful administration of IV
fluids, electrolyte monitoring, treatment for dehydration and brain
swelling, and supportive care.
When any poisoning occurs, the sooner you seek treatment, the better
the prognosis. With salt poisoning, immediate veterinary attention is
important. You can also call Pet Poison Helpline for assistance at 855-213-6680.
Better yet, avoid the situation to begin with – fresh water at all times when exercising your dog vigorously!